West Midlands Police advise taxi drivers to stay vigilant after a number of targeted robberies

West Midlands Police have issued an advisory warning to taxi and private hire drivers after a number of reported robberies against them over the past few days.

Detectives are said to be working hard to identify the offenders but have asked drivers to stay safe and report anything suspicious.

Using social media to address the situation, Birmingham Taxi & Private hire Police - @Bhamtaxicop, has written: "Please be advised that @WMPolice have had reports of a number of drivers have been subject to robbery over the last few days.

"@DetectivesWMP are working hard to identify the offenders but in the meantime we ask that you remain safe vigilant and report anything suspicious."

Figures released by West Midlands Police revealed a shocking number of assaults on taxi and/or private hire drivers over the last two years.

A Freedom of Information request showed the number of assaults on taxi drivers in the West Midlands Police area from the start of January to the end of November 2019 was at 427.

Twelve months prior, from the start of January 2018 to the end of November 2018, assaults on taxi drivers was almost identical at 417.

With 35 assaults on average a month, there are now increased calls for more protection for taxi drivers.